While the news got out well ahead of time, Microsoft has now confirmed those earlier reports about plans to let PC buyers upgrade their Windows 7 PCs to Windows 8. In a press release announcing the launch of the Windows 8 Release Preview, Microsoft said that, beginning on June 2nd, people who buy a new Windows 7 PC will be eligible to get an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro when the final version goes on sale later this year.
The upgrade will cost $14.99 and will be available until January 31, 2013 in 131 countries. Microsoft also announced it will reveal plans for people who currently own a Windows 7 PC a way to upgrade to the final version of Windows 8 "in the coming months."
As we have reported before, people who purchase their new Windows 7 PCs from a Microsoft Store retail location will reportedly also get some extra benefits for their $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade. That includes invites to free Windows 8 workshops and a $20 Microsoft Store gift card if they participate in the program, which basically covers the cost of the Windows 8 upgrade with $4.99 to spare.
Source: Microsoft press release